Brussels bashes British bikers by threatening new driving tests for bigger motorbikes

Brussels, 24 November 2006 — British bikers and Conservative MEP, Sir Robert Atkins, Deputy Leader of the Conservative Delegation in the European Parliament, have presented a 2,500 strong petition to the EU protesting against a new Directive which will require new tests if bikers buy bigger motorbikes.

The EU 3rd Driving Licences Directive will cause severe disruption to the motorcycle industry and users alike as it demands new additional tests as opposed to the UK’s “step up” system. This allows for progressive access to more powerful motorcycles after appropriate experience is gained. The Directive would abolish this system and an additional test for drivers moving from a lower powered bike to a more powerful one would be introduced.

Sir Robert with Trevor Baird from the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) and Philip Bradbourn MEP.

Conservatives are opposed to this Directive. The Motorcycle Action Group handed Sir Robert a petition containing 2,500 signatures opposing the new EU legislation, which Sir Robert in turn presented to the Chairman of the Parliament’s Transport Committee.

Speaking from Brussels today Sir Robert said:

“This pointless and bureaucratic legislation will cause real problems for motorcycle enthusiasts in the UK. I am fully supporting the motorcycle industry’s viewpoint on this matter and I was pleased to be able to present the Transport Committee with this petition, which shows just how concerned British motorcyclists are about the Directive.”